WHO says Ebola outbreak expands fast in Congo, spreads to Uganda
Geneva, June 9
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is expanding rapidly, with rising case numbers, wider geographic spread and cross-border transmission to Uganda, the World Health Organization said.
In its latest update, WHO currently assesses the risk as very high for DRC, high for Uganda and neighbouring countries sharing land borders with affected areas, and low for the rest of the African region and globally.
As of Sunday, DRC has reported 515 confirmed cases, including 91 deaths. Uganda has reported 19 confirmed cases, including two deaths and one probable fatal case. All cases in Uganda remain epidemiologically linked to the outbreak in DRC, with evidence of both imported infections and secondary transmission among contacts and healthcare workers.
National authorities, working with WHO and partners, are implementing a range of response measures. On 5 June, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and WHO launched a joint continental Ebola preparedness and response plan, seeking 518 million U.S. dollars to support African countries in preparing for, detecting, and responding to the outbreak.
The outbreak involves Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD), a severe and often fatal form of Ebola disease. The virus is believed to originate in fruit bats and can spread through close contact with the blood or secretions of infected animals or the bodily fluids of infected people, Xinhua news agency reported.
The incubation period for BVD ranges from two to 21 days, and infected individuals are not contagious until symptoms appear.
Ebola disease is a severe disease caused by orthoebolaviruses, members of the filoviridae family, which occurs in humans and other primates. The disease was identified in 1976, in almost simultaneous outbreaks in Zaire (DRC) and Sudan (now South Sudan).
The current outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, was officially declared on 15 May. While the Bundibugyo variant is less common than the Zaire strain responsible for several previous outbreaks, it can still cause severe illness and death.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Scary how quickly it's spreading to Uganda. Remember the 2014 Ebola outbreak? It was contained eventually, but the fear was real. The Bundibugyo strain is less known, but still deadly. I hope the African CDC and WHO can coordinate well this time, especially with all the other global crises going on.
Almost 600 cases now, and over 90 deaths in DRC alone. The fact that it's spread to Uganda with healthcare workers affected is alarming. We should appreciate the efforts of frontline workers there, but also demand better global funding for outbreak prevention. $518 million is a lot, but it's an investment in humanity.
One positive is that they identified this outbreak relatively quickly - declared in May. But the incubation period of up to 21 days makes containment tough. I just hope the international community doesn't lose focus. India should also offer help, maybe send some medical supplies or expertise, since we have good experience with epidemic management.
It's sad that even after all these years, Ebola still finds ways to spread. The African nations need better healthcare infrastructure. I'm glad WHO is classifying the risk properly, because if it goes global, we'll be in trouble. Meanwhile, let's not forget the lessons from COVID - surveillance and quick response are key.
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